How To Avoid The Freshman 15 (Slideshow)

The best thing you can do for your body is to set an eating schedule, so your body can adjust to a new place and schedule. Make sure you eat breakfast, and try to eat every 4-5 hours.

Alcohol is liquid sugar. It is literally your worst enemy in trying to maintain your weight and enjoy college. If you're of age and choose to drink, stick to clear liquids and calorie free mixers.

Specifically, stop eating after 7 p.m. Night eating will ruin your shape. If you're going to be up late studying and have to eat something, choose a fruit or a few turkey slices. Maybe a handful of nuts or a fat-free cheese stick. Stick to low calorie, protein-rich options to avoid weight gain.

If you see it, you'll want to eat it. So why keep junk in your dorm room? Instead, keep unsalted nuts, almond butter, apple slices, turkey, yogurt, cottage cheese, and other healthy options to keep you full and energized throughout the day.

The gym is free for some college students. Free! Gym equipment, fitness classes, training, outdoor sports — it's all available to you for no cost. Take advantage of this and find a workout buddy. Try to work out 30-50 minutes a day and you'll be good to go.

Weighing yourself can be scary. Seeing fluctuations on the scale can make you lose motivation or become weight obsessed. So instead of weighing yourself daily, opt for a weekly weigh in to stay on track and keep a handle on your body.

Trade big, calorie-rich snacks for simple, protein-rich snacks. A handful of almonds with a piece of fruit, a Greek yogurt, or maybe some cottage cheese. Low calorie snacks will improve your chances of maintaining your weight.

If you don't get at least seven hours of sleep per night, you're putting yourself in dangerous territory for gaining weight and flying off the handle when it comes to working out and eating right. Moral of the story? Sleep! It's good for you.

Carry a water bottle with you on campus at all times. Hydrate for energy, to stay focused and for weight maintenance. Keeping your body properly hydrated will help you keep the freshman 15 off, and stay motivated.

The best part of being on a campus, is being able to walk everywhere. Seriously, everything that is relative to your day is in walking distance. So instead of taking the shuttle or catching a ride with a friend, spend 15-30 minutes a day gathering your thoughts and walking to your class, or lunch with a friend.